It alleged that Karim Djaziri pushed, insulted and threatened one of its journalists on June 17, between France's first two group games.

And it said two further incidents -- one involving Djaziri and the other an unnamed friend -- took place at the airport at Ribeirao Preto, the area in which Les Bleus were based during the tournament, last Saturday.

According to the paper, the friend told another journalist he had "lacked respect towards Karim Benzema" before slapping him.

Both alleged incidents are said to have happened after the France squad had returned home following their quarterfinal exit to Germany. L'Equipe said it would back the journalists if they decided to take matters to court.

Benzema, 26, scored three goals in Brazil and made two more as Didier Deschamps' side reached the last eight.